I'm sorry, but it's a name that even I want to say to myself several times. Celestia Ludenberg... It's a beautiful name, is it not?
I will neither confirm nor deny that, but... No matter how I look at it, you're not a westerner.
My father is of French nobility and my mother is a German musician.
Aren't you ashamed to say something like that?
Oh... What a strange thing for you to say, Byakuya.
...
I am known by my name, Celestia Ludenberg... ...the Ultimate Gambler. Under that name, I have acquired a number of impressive accolades. If that identity isn't Celeste, then what is?
On the internet, they claim *Celeste* is just a name you gave yourself.
I don't care how people perceive me... I believe that it is me and it is how I live.
It's the same with you, right, Byakuya? You have an ideal version of yourself you wish to be, no?
I do... Although it might be hard for you to understand...since you lie about everything.
Is that so? I'm not particularly interested in what you have to say.
Oh, and I am not...lying. Celestia Ludenberg is my real name.
You say that so brazenly... Well...I guess it's better than someone like me who's still dressed like this.
Eh? Playing shogi without knowing the rules? Is that fun?
It is fun to win.
...You won!?
Taka said he wished to challenged me, so in order to even the odds, I selected shogi. Even so, I have no intention of losing when it comes to gambling.
A-Are you two betting money!? Gambling between students is a big, big no-no!
There's no way I would stand for something that would ruin public morals like gambling!
I am simply having Taka retrieve some snacks from the dining hall for my teatime. Since I am giving him my precious time, this is a necessary exchange...nothing more.
Yeah, that's it! And if I win, I have no intention of asking anything from Celeste!
My teatime every day has been complete and I have not even needed to move.
...Eh? Every day?
Today makes my tenth loss out of ten matches! I study shogi every night, but...it seems I haven't yet studied enough!
K-Kiyotaka...your dedication is impressive.
I just...wanted to win against a talented person through effort and hard work.
However, I haven't neglected my other studies! I have sacrificed some of my sleeping time each night in order to study shogi!
But to have still not won a single game... I'm such a loser.
It's unfortunate, but luck really does trump effort. I also don't intend to go easy on you.
I don't want you to go easy! I'll beat you with effort! By working hard!
Then...I will cheer you on, Kiyotaka. But I think you should get some rest. Sleep deprivation is bad for your brain.
That is excellent advice! Not only must I study shogi...I must also study the other environmental factors at play!
That is what I have been lacking! Thank you, Monomi!
Of course, I'm cheering you on too, Celeste. Please have a fun-filled school life with your classmates and build hope!
If I can continue my splendid teatimes, then I don't mind spending some time with you.
Even if I play with my eyes closed, I would still win.
So I'll become the stepping stone Celeste can use to let her talent shine, right?
Then, let us go. I look forward to seeing who will win...
Playing against the headmaster... Hey, I don't know about this, guys... Ho-Hold on, you two!
The headmaster joined you, and the four of you played Mahjong for quite some time... But before you could figure out who was luckiest, the headmaster lost pathetically!
C'mon! This is no time for one of your fancy tea parties! Something crazy just happened! Just promise me you won't freak out, okay? Anyway, Hifumi...
...inflated like a balloon until he popped!
Oh, dear. Then who will serve me tea tomorrow?
Shouldn't you be more concerned? Your homeroom is covered in Hifumi chunks!
Well...I certainly hope my favorite purse has not been soiled.
Hm, you're pretty calm. Are you used to gory stuff cuz you're a gambler?
What a rude assumption. I am beside myself with worry over my purse's well-being.
I see. Well, you can relax cuz I was lying. Both Hifumi and your purse are safe.
Oh? What a relief, then. I was completely and utterly fooled.
Geez, lies are a no-no! I hate it when other people lie!
I am not lying, Kokichi. Your performance was quite convincing.
Hmmm, so you're doubling down on your claim that I fooled you, huh?
My claim is based in reality. You genuinely surprised me.
Wooow! Only Gonta would fall for that lie!
Celeste...I'm sure, deep down inside, you're so annoyed you just wanna explode at me.
I am a professional gambler... I earn my living among the lies of others. So my heart cannot be shaken by lies. Unlike you, who claims to hate them.
So you actually hate when people tell you the truth! Is that it, Taeko?
...That is not true. Dealing with nothing but lies would become very tiresome.
C'mooon, you're lying! Man, this is why I love talking to people like you!
That, too, was a lie, yes?
Yup, that was a lie! But then again, that might be a lie, too!
Kokichi...are you perhaps interested in a game of lies? If you are willing to bet everything you own, I would not mind being your opponent.
Oh, sounds great! Let's play a game with our lives and possessions at stake!
You two promised to have a gambling competition!
Seasonal Events[]
Sports Festival[]
Today is the summer sports festival, but...running and sweating doesn't suit you! Instead, let's place bets with other students over the results of boys basketball! As you are gathering participants, someone catches your eye. Who do you see?
You there, would you like to join?
What? Me?
Th-Thank you so much for talking to me!
I am betting on the outcome of this basketball game. Care to make a bet?
B-Betting...? Hnnn... Um, I'm really grateful you invited me, but... I just came here to drop off some students... I need to get back to the Nurse's Office...
S-Sorry! I'm so sorry I couldn't be any help to you!
I see... How unfortunate.
You watched her scamper away...
Someone troublesome caught me in the act
C-Celeste! What on Earth are you...?
Kiyotaka? Why are you so angry?
I am furious with you right now! You're placing bets on everyone while they're working so hard... Such indignity!
I am a gambler. This is what I do. It is my way of honing my talent. It is my way of performing my best.
Gah! A-Are you serious?
Even though Taka is against gambling, you were somehow able to coax him!
I spot someone who seems quite lucky
You there. Would you care to bet?
Gambling... Though it can involve many elements such as strategy and tactics... In the end, the most important aspect of it is luck. There is no unknown there.
Are you certain? Luck controls life. It is a terrifying force that cannot be fully understood.
I also have the boring talent known as luck.
I see. That is very intriguing. It makes me want to challenge you all the more.
...How boring. I'm not interested.
The man, who seemed to have an abundance of luck, said his piece and then left...
School Festival[]
Today is the school festival...and your exhibit is a gambling hall for beginners! However, many seem too scared of losing to attend... Why not ask students as they walk by?
Would you like to learn how to gamble?
Face off against a stronger opponent, huh?
Of course, at this school...the prize would not be anything impressive. Candy, perhaps. If it's with me...the thrill of the battle is the real reward.
Candy? Well, I'm not exactly breaking a sweat here, but fine.
If we're gonna do this, you better not cry when I win.
Oh, do not worry. I am not concerned by such a predictable opponent as you.
What'd you say!?
So predictable. You had best practice your poker face before our real duel begins.
You won against Mondo in poker, who exploded with anger from your provocations!
I feel I would have a worthy battle with you
...A battle against me?
Yes. You have experience with gambling, do you not? It will be fun.
I know someone who might excel at that... But as for me, I'm not interested.
And why not? There is a first time for everything, and I think you would be quite good. A sharp and calm demeanor. You have the courage to be a formidable contestant.
Even then, don't you need luck to succeed at gambling?
And why not test your luck?
...Very well. It should be fine, even if I lose. I will accept your challenge.
I was waiting for those words...
You enjoyed playing blackjack with Peko... It was time well spent!
Would you like to gamble...no, nevermind
Huh? Am I hearin' things, or was I about to get an invite from the spackled zombie herself?!
...
Oh? Did you hear something?
You ignorin' me, ya cheeky little bitch!? Cuz whatever this is, I ain't playin' along!
Is this a bad spot? Not many people go by.
W-Wait, are you sayin' no one can see my dazzling beauty!?
I feel as though...I heard the fluttering of an insect. Would you prefer that insect exterminated? For a little peace of mind?
Wh-Why are you ignoring me...? Can you seriously not see or hear me...?
...Oh! Since I'm such a genius...I must have finally manifested an invisibility talent!
...I didn't think you were that stupid.
The troublesome person refused to go away...
Winter[]
Your last winter at the academy... Graduation will be here before you know it. That being said, you don't really feel anything. Let's spend our time drinking tea as always! Almost all of the seats in the dining hall are taken... Who will you ask to sit with?
Hifumi, I am going to sit in front of you
Hifumi. I haven't seen you in a while.
I do get busy at the end of the year... There's much bloodshed before the holy battle!
Don't tell me...you miss the milk tea that I used to make for you? Never fear! I shall prepare you some right away!
Not particularly. In your absence, Kirumi makes my tea for me. And to be honest, I enjoy her tea more than yours.
I will however allow you to have some time to improve your recipe.
Noooooo!
Is it unfortunate, is it not? That you no longer pour my tea?
N-No, I was just a little...stunned is all. No big deal! I mean, it's not my job to pour your tea anyway!
...It is unfortunate, is it not?
Well..okay, I am a *little* upset about it...
As I thought. Well, I cannot *always* rely on Kirumi. She does often get busy. I suppose I will allow you to pour my tea for me, Hifumi.
Ahhh, nothing I can do.
So, royal milk tea, I expect?
Please.
You forced Hifumi to prepare your tea!
Byakuya... May I join you?
There was something I need to ask you.
About my appearance, correct?
Of course. I made some assumptions about you, the son of a noble family...
Then what on Earth are you? If Hope's Peak Academy chose you, a liar of significant talent, then... that talent must be connected to some Ultimate ability, no?
Your talent must be disguise, or performance. Or some sort of perjury.
You're pretty sharp...I won't correct anything you just said.
My real title is...the Ultimate Imposter.
My my, you gave up that quickly.
It's easy to tell I'm not the real Byakuya when the two of us stand side-by-side. Yet, I continued to mimic him because I didn't wish to lose my place in my class.
But I need not worry about that any longer. I've already discussed things with my classmates.
Is that so? You plan to stop the charade?
Towards my classmates, anyway. No matter my appearance, it does not change the fact that I am their classmate.
That's what I believe...
Is that the life you want?
It's such a relief now that I've told everyone the truth... Although, you might not be able to understand it.
You spend your time drinking tea with the Ultimate Imposter disguised as Byakuya...
Peko, would you like to play a round with me?
Of course, it is not a serious contest. Just a little...fun gambling.
Very well. A tense game with you will be good stimulation for me as well.
Ah...this seems intriguing. May I watch from the sidelines?
That is fine. I do not mind if you join in.
No, I will focus on observing your game for the time being. What sort of battle will ensue...? I would like to carefully observe it.
I would not mind that either. It is not a bad thing to have an audience. Are you alright with this as well, Peko?
I don't mind. It will be good training for keeping my composure in any situation.
Such a serious woman... You will do anything for a match. You are a worthy opponent.
This will be an intriguing match, indeed... Kehehe...I eagerly wait.
You had an intense battle at the corner of the dining hall...
Appearances in Seasonal Events for Other Characters[]
Today is the sports festival at Hope's Peak Academy. You came to cheer for your friends... But the basketball team was short a person, so you were asked to join!
Honestly, I'm not so sure about this...
Oh, you are...Hajime, of the reserve course. This is getting interesting. The odds have changed with an irregular such as yourself.
You're...the Ultimate Gambler, right?
Are you betting on the basketball game?
How perceptive. Sports require brains as well as brawn. It would be good to place a bet.
Despite being used for gambling...your fighting spirit went up a bit!
Your last winter at the academy... You must cherish these last few days! It's the morning of the closing ceremony, and you have some free time...
I will challenge Celeste to shogi!
...
...
...A draw? Until this match...I've only managed to lose pathetically against Celeste...
Luck comes in waves... If you continue to challenge me, it's possible you'll have a draw with me at least once.
For example...like a computer glitch appearing only once out of ten thousand times.
No, that's not it...
If you are as lucky as me, a victory cannot be shaken by some waves... It seems today might be your lucky day, Taka.
That's not it! That's not it, Celeste! It is all my studying, all of my practicing, all of my effort that finally reached you!
If you'd like to think that way, go ahead. Everyone wants to believe in their fantasies.
It's no fantasy! Perhaps, in the near future... I will actually manage to win!
No...this may be unfortunate for you to hear, but I most likely will not lose. Our life in this academy is almost over... You won't be able to challenge me whenever you want.
Sh-Shoot!
If you wish to challenge me after the graduation, let us meet in an underground gambling hall. I will gladly accept if you are willing to bet your fortune.
You're going to play table tennis in the sports festival...and win, thanks to your inventions! You made sure to come prepared today... Which invention will you use?
The "Sleep N' Serve" invention!
Hoo-yeah! I landed every serve in my sleep! Man, it sure is tough to be a genius like me!
Hmhmhm... Thank you for ending the match so quickly. Swinging around a racket and getting sweaty does not suit my image.
Thanks to your invention, you won an overwhelming victory!
Today is the school festival... You're manning a stand that sells cream puffs! Business is excellent. Here's another new customer... How will you greet them?
You looking for something?
*sigh* It appears they do not have gyoza here, either.
Well, of course not. We're a cream puff stand. Do you...like gyoza?
Is that unexpected? I absolutely love them.
I thought that at least one place would have gyoza, but...I can't seem to find one.
Gyoza at a school festival... I guess some people might do it, but I haven't seen any.
How disappointing... It makes me yearn for it more now that I know I can't eat it.
Teruteru should be doing a restaurant. I bet he'd make you some if you asked.
Oh, splendid idea. Why didn't I think of that?
I look forward to gyoza made by the Ultimate Cook. I will ask him. Well then, goodbye.
Today is the school festival... You're going to be the chef at a shop! Do your best! A new customer has come to visit... How do you greet them?
What would you like...? I'll do anything for you
My apologies for making a request, but do you sell gyoza here?
Gyoza...? Um, I don't have it on the menu, but...
But for you, and only you, Celeste, I'll make them special... Just! For! You! You can pay me with a...special fee! For example...a passionate kiss!
Thank you. I knew that you would answer my request.
H-Huh? Did you not hear me or something?
I suppose I didn't.
Then shall I say it again? You can give me a passionate kiss...especially to my lower half!
Ah, I see! Now, I am only going to say this once, so please listen closely.
...There's NO FUCKING WAY I'm doing that!!! Get your ass in the kitchen and cook!!!
O-Okaaaaay! I'll make them right away!
You dashed back into the kitchen and made the best gyoza you could...
Your last winter at the academy... You have plans to throw a party with your classmates! While you're cooking for the party, you're also helping with the dining hall...you're very busy! It looks like there are a few students here... Why don't you greet them?
What can I get for you, mademoiselle?
I would like gyoza.
You want gyoza for Christmas, too? You must really like them.
It is true, I have taken an interest in your gyoza, Teruteru.
It makes me somewhat upset to imagine that I will no longer have them after graduation.
Well, I wouldn't mind if you ran to me and leapt into my arms whenever you missed me!
I would appreciate it if you would refrain from making those kinds of remarks. Apparently, my yelling at you has had no effect at all. It troubles me that you take joy in it.
Hmhm, it's because my bottom half is so hardened, yet my heart is so sensitive!
Today is the fall school festival... You decided to exhibit all the cosplay you've made so far! Let's greet the people who have stopped by!
I'm really glad to see you here
Welcome, Celeste. To be honest, I'm nervous to have you look at my outfits.
Such skill is expected from the Ultimate Cosplayer. I'm tempted to request a commission from you.
However...if I asked *you* for one, I'm sure you would create an outfit from an anime.
Celeste...are you not interested in cosplay after all? I mean, I know that gothic lolita cosplay is different from gothic lolita fashion.
Well, among those who love elaborate clothes, there are some who appreciate cosplay as well.
Yeah, yeah! I was wondering if you were like that too, Celeste.
Unfortunately, I am not.
I see... Yeah, I suppose that makes sense...
You're so discerning when it comes to clothes though, I'd love to talk with you about them.
That is true... I'm sure we can easily hold a conversation about the value of clothes.
...You discussed how to handle clothes and wigs, and shared makeup techniques!
Your last winter at the academy... The Monokubs have suggested that you all clean the school. You finished cleaning the classroom! Now, what to do next?
Maybe I'll take a break in the dining hall
Oh, Tsumugi...your timing is excellent. I wanted to talk to you about something.
Huh? You wanted to talk to me about something? What is it?
I need an outfit with a vampire motif... Although, I have not decided the design yet.
Ah...you need it to make your dream come true, don't you, Celeste?
Yes, I dream of obtaining a luxurious castle, along with my handsome butlers at my side. They must serve me dressed as vampires, so I can spend my life in beauty and decadence.
In order to match my aesthetics, the outfit's quality is important. You understand, don't you?
Of course. High-quality outfits make things more exciting.
But it's not like you want your handsome butlers to cosplay as characters, right? If you want my help, the best I could do is make you some cosplay of vampire characters...
Thank you...but instead of an existing outfit, I'd like an original design for my handsome men.
Hmm, if only there was an Ultimate Designer at this academy...
Oh, I know! How about having Hifumi design it for you?
Hifumi? I cannot imagine he would share the same aesthetics as me...
Clothes like that are pretty much the specialty of someone like him. Oh, or you could at least have Hifumi draw handsome men in the outfits you want.
Umm... But I wonder how good Hifumi is at drawing handsome men...
Don't you think this conversation has steered toward your hobby, Tsumugi?
Ah...sorry. I got all excited and went off on my own. But I think it's a good plan. If you have Hifumi design a character, then it'll be a fictional outfit...
And if it's fictional, then I can make a prototype out of it! Once you can actually hold it in your hands, you'll feel one step closer to your dream.
Oh, is it truly alright for you to do this much for me?
Honestly, I just got caught up in the moment... But that's important when designing outfits. And your dream... You want to be a person you created in a world you created, right? That's just my interpretation... But when I think of it that way, I want to cheer you on.
Then...I will ask for your help. You must know that you cannot take your offer back, correct?
That's fine. Let's create a wonderful outfit!
...Although, we sort of roped Hifumi in without asking...
You talked with Celeste about how to make her dream come true...
